Mukōjima 向島

Located on the opposite bank of the Sumida-gawa from Asakusa, Mukōjima has more chaya (tea houses where geisha work) than any other places in Tokyo.

Geisha

Edo and Tokyo's traditional geisha districts used to be numerous, and they used to be common sights in such areas Akasaka, Shimbashi, Ningyocho, Fukagawa, Asakusa, Mukojima or Kagurazaka. Nowadays, you'd be lucky to see one outside the three latter, and most of them are now working around Mukojima.

Hato Bus has a geisha tours (in Japanese) to Mukojima. Although the quality leaves a bit to be desired, it is one of the easiest and most affordable (though not cheap) to see geisha playing shamisen, performing dances and serving food in Tokyo. Non tourist performances are extremely expensives and might refuse entry to foreigners, even accompanied by a Japanese. That is why even ordinary Japanese take this kind of tour to see geisha.

Hyakkaen Garden 百花園

The "Hundred Flowers Garden" was laid out by a local feudal lord in 1804-1830.

As its name indicate, the garden is an excellent spot to view flowers at every season. The main attraction is the 30m long bush clover tunnel.

The garden is located 8 min walk from Higashi-Mukojima station (Tōbu Isesaki line) or 13 min walk from Hikifune station (Keisei Oshiage line).

It is open everyday from 9am to 5pm (till 6pm in July and August). It is closed from 29 December to 03 January. Admission is ￥150.